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Top 10 Best Po Software of 2026

Discover the top 10 best Po software solutions. Find features, comparisons & reviews to choose the perfect tool. Explore now.

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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POS software is a linchpin for modern business operations, facilitating seamless transactions, inventory tracking, and data-driven decision-making. With a broad spectrum of tools available, from retail-focused solutions to restaurant-specific platforms, identifying the right fit—one that aligns with unique business needs—is essential for optimizing efficiency, scalability, and profitability.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Square - All-in-one POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.
  2. 2#2: Toast - Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.
  3. 3#3: Shopify POS - Seamless POS for retail syncing with e-commerce inventory, sales, and multi-channel management.
  4. 4#4: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based retail POS with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.
  5. 5#5: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management.
  6. 6#6: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting and integrations.
  7. 7#7: TouchBistro - iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menus, and staff management.
  8. 8#8: Epos Now - Customizable cloud POS for retail and hospitality with e-commerce and loyalty features.
  9. 9#9: Lavu - Mobile POS for restaurants offering table management, online ordering, and reporting.
  10. 10#10: SpotOn - Full-service POS with payments, marketing tools, and hardware for various industries.

We rigorously selected and ranked these tools based on key factors: feature comprehensiveness, user experience, performance reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to the diverse demands of small to medium enterprises across industries.

Comparison Table

Selecting the right POS software is vital for optimizing transactions and business management, and this comparison table details leading tools such as Square, Toast, Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail, and Clover. Readers will gain insights into features, pricing, and unique capabilities to find the best fit for their specific operational needs.

1Square logo9.6/10

All-in-one POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
9.8/10
Value
9.7/10
2Toast logo9.2/10

Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
8.8/10

Seamless POS for retail syncing with e-commerce inventory, sales, and multi-channel management.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
9.0/10
Value
8.7/10

Cloud-based retail POS with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
5Clover logo8.5/10

Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management.

Features
8.8/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.0/10

iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting and integrations.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
8.3/10
Value
8.0/10

iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menus, and staff management.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
8Epos Now logo8.7/10

Customizable cloud POS for retail and hospitality with e-commerce and loyalty features.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.1/10
9Lavu logo8.4/10

Mobile POS for restaurants offering table management, online ordering, and reporting.

Features
8.3/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
8.5/10
10SpotOn logo7.8/10

Full-service POS with payments, marketing tools, and hardware for various industries.

Features
8.2/10
Ease
7.5/10
Value
7.4/10
1
Square logo

Square

specialized

All-in-one POS system offering payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics for small businesses.

Overall Rating9.6/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
9.8/10
Value
9.7/10
Standout Feature

Completely free POS software with no subscription required, charging only per transaction for instant accessibility.

Square is a leading point-of-sale (POS) software solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing free, cloud-based tools for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking sales, and handling customer data. It supports in-person, online, and mobile transactions through affordable hardware like card readers and registers, with seamless integrations for e-commerce, appointments, and payroll. As an all-in-one platform, Square enables businesses to start selling immediately without monthly software fees, scaling as needs grow.

Pros

  • Free POS software with no monthly fees or contracts
  • Exceptionally intuitive interface and quick setup on any device
  • Comprehensive ecosystem including hardware, online store, and analytics

Cons

  • Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume sellers (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe)
  • Advanced reporting and customization limited compared to enterprise solutions
  • Customer support primarily email/chat, with phone for paid plans only

Best For

Small businesses, retailers, restaurants, and service providers seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with minimal upfront costs.

Pricing

Core POS software is free; transaction fees start at 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online); add-ons like Square for Retail ($60/mo) or Payroll ($35/mo + $6/employee).

Visit Squaresquareup.com
2
Toast logo

Toast

enterprise

Restaurant-focused POS with online ordering, kitchen display, and payroll integration.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
8.8/10
Standout Feature

Integrated online ordering and delivery management that syncs directly with the POS for real-time order fulfillment and revenue tracking

Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, handling everything from front-of-house order taking and payments to back-of-house inventory, scheduling, and reporting. It offers seamless integrations with popular delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, plus built-in online ordering and loyalty programs to drive revenue. With mobile-friendly hardware and real-time analytics, Toast empowers restaurant operators to manage multiple locations efficiently.

Pros

  • All-in-one platform covering POS, payments, payroll, and marketing
  • Robust integrations with delivery and third-party apps
  • Reliable hardware ecosystem with offline functionality

Cons

  • Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • Limited flexibility outside Toast's ecosystem

Best For

Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants needing a scalable, feature-rich POS with strong online ordering capabilities.

Pricing

Custom pricing starts at ~$165/month per location plus hardware (~$1,000+ upfront) and 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.

Visit Toasttoasttab.com
3
Shopify POS logo

Shopify POS

specialized

Seamless POS for retail syncing with e-commerce inventory, sales, and multi-channel management.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
9.0/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Effortless omnichannel synchronization that unifies inventory, orders, and customer data between online and physical stores in real-time.

Shopify POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling merchants to manage in-person sales alongside online operations. It supports hardware like card readers, terminals, and receipt printers, while offering real-time inventory synchronization, customer data unification, and multi-location capabilities. Ideal for retail businesses scaling from online to physical stores, it processes payments via major providers and taps into Shopify's vast app ecosystem for customization.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Shopify online store for omnichannel selling
  • Real-time inventory and sales syncing across locations
  • Extensive hardware compatibility and app marketplace for expansions

Cons

  • Requires a paid Shopify subscription for full access
  • Advanced POS Pro features incur additional per-location fees
  • Reporting and analytics are more robust in higher-tier plans

Best For

Retailers with an existing Shopify online store seeking unified online and in-person sales management.

Pricing

POS Lite is free with any Shopify plan (Basic $29/mo, Shopify $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo); POS Pro adds $89 per location/month; hardware sold separately.

4
Lightspeed Retail logo

Lightspeed Retail

enterprise

Cloud-based retail POS with advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-location support.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization that prevents overselling across physical stores and online channels

Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for retail businesses, offering robust tools for processing sales, managing inventory across multiple locations, and handling customer data. It excels in omnichannel retailing by integrating seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, ensuring real-time synchronization of stock levels between online and in-store sales. The platform also provides advanced reporting, analytics, and loyalty program features to drive business growth and customer retention.

Pros

  • Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking and multi-location support
  • Strong omnichannel integration for unified online and in-store operations
  • Detailed analytics and customizable reporting dashboards

Cons

  • Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for very small retailers
  • Some advanced features require additional add-ons or modules
  • Occasional performance issues during peak sales periods

Best For

Mid-sized to large retail businesses with multiple locations seeking integrated POS, inventory, and e-commerce solutions.

Pricing

Starts at $69/month per register for Lean plan (billed annually), with Standard at $109/month, Advanced at $159/month, and custom Enterprise pricing; additional fees for hardware and add-ons.

Visit Lightspeed Retaillightspeedhq.com
5
Clover logo

Clover

specialized

Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, apps marketplace, and business management.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
8.8/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

App Marketplace with over 500 third-party apps for industry-specific customizations

Clover is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing cloud-based software integrated with proprietary hardware for processing payments, inventory management, sales tracking, and employee scheduling. It supports retail, restaurants, and service industries through customizable apps from its marketplace, enabling features like loyalty programs, online ordering, and e-commerce integrations. Clover emphasizes mobility and flexibility with devices ranging from countertop stations to handheld terminals.

Pros

  • Extensive app marketplace for customization and integrations
  • Versatile hardware options including mobile and countertop devices
  • Seamless payment processing with contactless and EMV support

Cons

  • High upfront hardware costs (starting around $500)
  • Processing fees can be higher than some competitors (2.3%-2.6% + $0.10)
  • Customer support response times vary and can be inconsistent

Best For

Small to medium retail or restaurant owners seeking flexible, app-customizable POS hardware without needing extensive IT expertise.

Pricing

Software plans start at $14.95/month (Register) to $99.85/month (Station Pro) per device, plus hardware from $499-$1,699 and processing fees of 2.3%-2.6% + $0.10 per transaction; custom enterprise pricing available.

Visit Cloverclover.com
6
Revel Systems logo

Revel Systems

specialized

iPad-based POS for retail and restaurants with real-time reporting and integrations.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
8.3/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Advanced kitchen display system (KDS) for streamlined order routing and fulfillment in high-volume food service environments

Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS solution tailored for restaurants, cafes, and retail businesses, offering comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory management, and customer engagement. It supports iPad hardware for a mobile-first experience, with features like kitchen display systems, employee management, and real-time reporting across multiple locations. The platform emphasizes scalability for growing operations while integrating with over 100 third-party apps.

Pros

  • Robust restaurant-specific features like kitchen display and table management
  • Extensive third-party integrations for payments and loyalty programs
  • Cloud-based real-time analytics and multi-location support

Cons

  • Higher pricing with add-on fees that can add up quickly
  • Reliance on Apple iPad hardware limits flexibility
  • Occasional reports of customer support delays

Best For

Mid-sized restaurants and quick-service outlets seeking a scalable, mobile POS with strong back-of-house tools.

Pricing

Starts at $99/month for Core plan per location (plus hardware); higher tiers like Pro ($149+) and Enterprise include advanced features; pay-per-use add-ons extra.

Visit Revel Systemsrevelsystems.com
7
TouchBistro logo

TouchBistro

specialized

iPad POS tailored for restaurants with floor plans, menus, and staff management.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Visual floor plan and drag-and-drop table management for real-time service oversight

TouchBistro is a cloud-connected, iPad-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues, handling front-of-house tasks like order entry, table management, and payments alongside back-of-house functions such as inventory tracking and staff scheduling. It offers offline capabilities with automatic syncing, kitchen display systems, and integrations with third-party services like delivery apps and payroll providers. Advanced analytics through Spotlight provide real-time insights into sales, labor costs, and menu performance to optimize operations.

Pros

  • Comprehensive restaurant-specific tools including visual floor plans and table management
  • Reliable offline mode with seamless cloud sync
  • Robust reporting and integrations with popular restaurant apps

Cons

  • Higher cost structure with mandatory hardware purchases
  • Limited to iOS devices, reducing hardware flexibility
  • Customization options can feel restrictive for complex needs

Best For

Full-service restaurants and bars needing specialized table service and inventory management without IT overhead.

Pricing

Starts at $69/month per terminal for Starter plan (billed annually), scaling to $199+ for Pro/Enterprise; hardware and processing fees extra.

Visit TouchBistrotouchbistro.com
8
Epos Now logo

Epos Now

enterprise

Customizable cloud POS for retail and hospitality with e-commerce and loyalty features.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Expansive app store with 100+ third-party integrations for effortless customization without coding.

Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail, hospitality, and service industries, offering seamless transaction processing, inventory management, and customer relationship tools. It supports a wide array of hardware options and features an extensive app marketplace for custom integrations like accounting, delivery, and loyalty programs. The platform provides real-time reporting and multi-location management, making it scalable for growing businesses.

Pros

  • Vast app marketplace with over 100 integrations for tailored functionality
  • Robust inventory and multi-location management capabilities
  • Reliable cloud-based access with strong reporting analytics

Cons

  • Higher pricing can strain very small businesses
  • Occasional customer support delays reported by users
  • Initial setup may require some technical familiarity

Best For

Small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses seeking a highly customizable and scalable POS system.

Pricing

Starts at £25/month per device for software (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs from £399; custom enterprise plans available.

Visit Epos Noweposnow.com
9
Lavu logo

Lavu

specialized

Mobile POS for restaurants offering table management, online ordering, and reporting.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.3/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Tableside ordering via iPad, enabling servers to process orders, payments, and upsells directly at the customer's table

Lavu is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants, offering mobile-first capabilities on iPads and iPhones for tableside ordering and payment processing. It includes features like inventory management, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, online ordering, and kitchen display systems. The platform emphasizes mobility and efficiency for quick-service and full-service establishments, with seamless integrations for delivery apps and accounting software.

Pros

  • Intuitive mobile interface ideal for on-the-go restaurant operations
  • Robust restaurant-specific tools like kitchen displays and loyalty programs
  • Competitive pricing with scalable plans

Cons

  • Limited to iOS devices, excluding Android users
  • Reporting and analytics not as advanced as top competitors
  • Customer support response times can vary

Best For

Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, mobile POS for efficient tableside service.

Pricing

Starts at $69/month per terminal for Express plan; Pro at $119/month and Ultimate at $199/month, with annual discounts available.

Visit Lavulavu.com
10
SpotOn logo

SpotOn

enterprise

Full-service POS with payments, marketing tools, and hardware for various industries.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.2/10
Ease of Use
7.5/10
Value
7.4/10
Standout Feature

Automated PO creation triggered by real-time inventory thresholds and sales forecasting

SpotOn is a comprehensive POS and business management platform tailored for restaurants, retail, and hospitality, with robust purchase order (PO) functionality integrated into its inventory system. It allows users to create, approve, track, and receive POs seamlessly, with automated reorder suggestions based on real-time stock levels and sales data. The tool streamlines vendor management and procurement, syncing directly with POS sales and accounting integrations like QuickBooks.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with POS and inventory for automated PO generation
  • Real-time tracking and vendor portals for efficient procurement
  • Strong mobile app support for on-the-go order management

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for very small operations due to per-location fees
  • Steeper learning curve for non-POS users
  • Limited standalone PO customization outside the SpotOn ecosystem

Best For

Mid-sized restaurants and retail businesses needing integrated PO tools within a full POS system.

Pricing

Custom quotes starting at $99/month per location plus processing fees (2.6%+10¢ per transaction) and optional hardware leases.

Visit SpotOnspoton.com

Conclusion

The top 10 POS software tools offer diverse solutions, but Square stands out as the best choice, excelling in versatility for small businesses. Toast and Shopify POS follow closely, with Toast being ideal for restaurants and Shopify perfect for retail and e-commerce syncing, making them strong alternatives for specific needs.

Square logo
Our Top Pick
Square

Ready to streamline your operations? Try Square first to experience its all-in-one power—you won’t be disappointed.